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Boulder County crews rescue stranded teen in St. Vrain River

By Joe Rubino Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
06/12/2013 09:33:10 PM MDT

Updated:
06/12/2013 09:55:33 PM MDT

Emergency crews used a raft and ropes to rescue a teenage girl in Lyons on Wednesday night after she was separated from her inner tube in the St. Vrain River and stranded on a mountainous bank on the west side of Meadow Park, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office.

Crews from the Sheriff's Office, Lyons Fire Department, Longmont Emergency Unit, Boulder Emergency Squad and American Medical Response responded to call at 6:38 p.m. Wednesday of a girl trapped in the river on the far western side of Meadow Park, according to sheriff's Sgt. Jason Heathman.

It is unclear when the 15-year-old became separated from her tube, but she was able to get to shore on the opposite bank from Meadow Park, Heathman said.

A steep incline made it impossible for her to climb up the far bank, and high water kept her from crossing to the other side, Heathman said.

"With the runoff, the water is a little swifter and deeper than it normally would be," he said.

A few rescue divers on the scene were able to cross the river in a kayak and reach the girl, giving her a life jacket and a helmet, Heathman said.

Crews then inflated a larger raft, which they sent across the river. The girl was loaded into the raft, which was brought to safety on the other side using throw ropes, Heathman said.

Heathman said the girl's friends indicated she was at least partially in the water for 45 minutes before crews reached her.

The girl was taken to Longmont United Hospital as a precaution, he said.

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